Create and Reveal

When I proposed a new elective course for Dramatic Arts, the only restrictive guidance from administration was, “Don’t make this an acting class.  Not all kids are performers and some don’t realize that until it’s time to perform.” As I’ve moved forward in planning and delivering lessons in my Dramatic Arts elective, I’ve included learnings and understandings that could be appreciated by anyone involved in the creation of a scene. Script vocabulary, parts of a stage, parts of the theater, and the history of theater are all important concepts for anyone working on a scene – from the writer to the director, stage manager, performers, set and tech crew, etc.

The Problem:

Now is the time for me to consider a culmination of all the learning and the inclusion of all students regardless of their individual interests in theater. 

The Build:

Students have been introduced to specific vocabulary used in theater and scripts. Students have been assessed by vocabulary use for parts of a stage, parts of a theater, stage direction, and technical terms in scripts. Students have explored different jobs in theater– whether the scene is performed on a stage or screen. Students were introduced short scripts (one-act plays) to analyze, examine, dissect and manipulate. These scripts were acquired and accumulated first by the teacher (5 examples) and by students (an electronic resource folder with over 30 scripts to date) from many different sources. Sources could include internet sites, play books, TV or Movie scripts, re-writes of a student’s favorite scene or story, student dramatizations of existing children’s books, or original creations by students. As an ongoing assignment, along with providing new resources to the digital folder, students have also been reviewing these one act plays at their own pace on a review document that I created and provided.

The Solution:

Starting upon our return from winter break, students will be expected to have reviewed 10 or more one act plays. From their reviews, they will be able to recall their interest in different titles. The final activity for this first group of Dramatic Arts elective students will be to form small groups and present a one act play. Opportunities for writing, editing, performing, directing, videographer, set and props, costumes and make up, etc will all be available.  With any luck, and to create more interest, I would love to provide time and opportunity to expand this activity to include auditions, call backs, blocking, multiple takes, and a final product. With the right planning, regardless of the student’s interest in Dramatic Arts, he or she will be able to enjoy a suitable role in the creation of a successful scene.

* will report back at the end of the semester